Free Download and Installation Guide for VMware Workstation Pro on Windows (2024)

Key Notes

  • VMware Workstation Pro is now free for personal use on Windows.
  • Follow simple steps to download and install on Windows 10 or 11.
  • Ensure your system meets hardware and software requirements.

Unlock the Power of Virtualization: Downloading and Installing VMware Workstation Pro

In this guide, you will learn how to easily download and install VMware Workstation Pro for free. This powerful virtualization software is now accessible for personal use, making it simple for you to create virtual machines on your Windows 10 or 11 device.

Download VMware Workstation Pro for Free

Follow these steps to register and download VMware Workstation Pro:

  1. Visit the Broadcom Registration page.

    Quick Note: If you’re already a member, navigate to the top-right corner, click “Support Portal”, and proceed to “Go To Portal”.

  2. Verify your email and complete the human verification process.

  3. Click Next.

  4. Enter the verification code sent to your email.

  5. Click “Verify & Continue”.

  6. Fill in the required personal information.

  7. Click Create Account.

  8. Click “I’ll do it later”.

  9. Navigate to the Software menu, select VMware Cloud Foundation, and click My Downloads.

  10. Select VMware Workstation Pro from the list.

  11. Choose the “VMware Workstation Pro 17.0 for Personal Use (Windows)” option.

  12. Click the most recent version available, such as 17.5.2.

  13. Check the box that states “I agree” to start the download process.

  14. Hit the Download button.

  15. Confirm with Yes if prompted.

  16. Complete the compliance verification by clicking Submit.

  17. Download the installer again if necessary.

After completing these steps, the VMware installer should begin downloading to your machine.

Install VMware Workstation Pro on Windows

To install VMware Workstation Pro on your Windows 10 or 11 system, follow these instructions:

  1. Launch File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to the location where the installer was downloaded.

  3. Double-click the VMware Workstation executable file to start the installation.

  4. Click Next to continue.

  5. Select I accept to agree to the terms.

  6. Proceed by clicking Next.

  7. Opt for the “Enhanced Keyboard driver” installation.

  8. Check the box to Add VMware Workstation console tools into the system PATH.

  9. Click Next to move to the next choice.

  10. (Optional) Select “Check for product updates on startup”.

  11. (Optional) You can deselect “Join the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program”.

  12. Click Next to proceed.

  13. Choose the Desktop option for shortcuts.

  14. Select the Start Menu Programs Folder option.

  15. Hit Next to continue.

  16. Finally, click the Install button.

  17. Once completed, click Finish.

    Quick Note: You won’t need a product key since the app is now free for personal use.

  18. Restart your computer by clicking Yes if prompted.

  19. When prompted, select “Use VMware Workstation 17 for Personal Use”.

  20. Click Continue to finish the setup process.

  21. Lastly, click Finish to complete the installation.

After completing the installation and restarting, you can start creating virtual machines, enabling you to run different operating systems such as Windows 10, 11, and Linux seamlessly.

Make sure your system meets the following requirements before installation: Windows 10 or 11, a 64-bit (x86) multi-core processor with a minimum speed of 1.3GHz, at least 4GB of RAM, and 1.2GB of available disk space.

For optimal performance, it is advisable to store virtual machines on secondary drives rather than your primary drive. Additionally, ensure Hyper-V is disabled, as it could interfere with VMware Workstation Pro. Finally, confirm that hardware virtualization is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings prior to installation.

If you previously installed VMware Player, you’ll need to uninstall it before installing the Pro version.

Additional Tips

  • Always verify your system’s hardware compatibility with VMware requirements.
  • Consider utilizing secondary storage for your virtual machines for better performance.
  • Regularly check for software updates to benefit from the latest features and improvements.

Summary

This guide covered how to download and install VMware Workstation Pro for free on Windows 10 and 11. By following the simple steps outlined, you can harness the power of virtualization to run additional operating systems without sacrificing your primary environment.

Conclusion

With VMware Workstation Pro now available for free for personal use, users can take advantage of this exceptional tool to create and manage virtual machines easily. Don’t hesitate to explore this technology and enhance your digital experience!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use VMware Workstation Pro for commercial purposes?

No, VMware Workstation Pro is only free for personal use. For commercial use, you need to purchase a license.

What happens if I had VMware Player installed?

You must uninstall the VMware Player before installing the Pro version to avoid conflicts.

Is it necessary to disable Hyper-V to use VMware?

Yes, it’s recommended to disable Hyper-V in Windows to prevent conflicts with VMware Workstation Pro.